James Dickinson photo
If you said that the perfect hot dog was served at The Diamond, I wouldn't argue with you. Baseball and hot dogs have been paired since they were combined more than 100 years ago in St. Louis. But frankfurters are not just for the ballpark — these flavorful tubes of meat can be found all over the Richmond area. Here are a few of my favorites.
Red Stag Dog
The sheer variety at City Dogs makes selecting just one quite the challenge, but the Red Stag Dog stands out for the contrasting flavors of its candylike caramelized onions cooked in Jim Beam Red Stag bourbon against the vinegary yellow mustard. 1316 E. Cary St., 343-3647 or 1309 W. Main St., 359-3647
Tuxedo Dog
This dog is barbecue nirvana, cooked in a smoker and slathered with Art "Tex" Taylor's personal chili, diced brisket and homemade sauce. Tex's Slow-Cooked BBQ, corner of 20th Street and Semmes Avenue (times vary) and South of the James Farmers Market on Saturdays, 334-5314
All the Way Dog
This quintessential dog has a slightly charred skin from the flat-top grill, and it's dressed with yellow mustard, diced onions and a beanless hot-dog chili. Joey's Hot Dogs, 4028 Cox Road, 651-4108
Bacon Cheddar Dog
This concoction — a split frankfurter stuffed with crispy bacon and canned cheddar-cheese spread — may sound like the ultra-processed dog, but it works, thanks to its bold flavor and varying textures. The Boardwalk, 2106 Henderson Road, 288-4388
Bobette's Dog
Decadence only begins to describe this poached sausage, made by Richmond-based Sausage Craft and served in a crusty baguette with a spicy harissa mustard and bubbly, melted Gruyère on top. Bistro Bobette, 1209 E. Cary St., 225-9116
